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Industry Overview In early December, the angst among energy and mining producers worsened again, as one of the industry’s largest companies cut its work force by nearly two-thirds and Chinese trade data amplified concerns about the country’s appetite for commodities. The current outlook for commodities prices is shaky, with a number of forces battering the[…]

U.S. Nonresidential Construction Surges: According to an October 2015 report issued by Fitch Ratings, the first eight months of 2015 showed strong activity for U.S. private nonresidential construction, with the rate of spending expected to remain relatively robust through 2016. During the January-August 2015 period, private nonresidential construction spending grew 12.1% over the prior year,[…]

Trucking Industry Statistics Industry Revenue: According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), in 2014 trucking revenue rose 2.6% to a record $700.4 billion. Trucking Tonnage: In July 2015, trucking tonnage rose to its second highest reading on record. Employment: The trucking industry gained another 2,800 jobs in July 2015, nearing a nine-year employment high. 10[…]

“You have got to be kidding me!” These were my exact words to the credit officer who asked that I review a machinery and equipment appraisal. “Are you suggesting that we lend actual money based on this appraisal report?” Having spent a couple of years as an equipment manager for a northeast Ohio-based bank, and[…]